p. 195 | DO YOU ASK A BLESSING?

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1860

DO YOU ASK A BLESSING?

READER, if you had been in a certain church, a few Sabbath evenings ago, you would have heard the following truths enunciated in a discourse from the following words:

"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith," by a very young preacher.

"The fear of man, and an anxious desire to please the world, and to conform to its customs as much as possible, without doing anything positively inconsistent with the precepts of Christianity, are, unitedly or singly, a great obstruction to the spiritual advancement of the young convert. When a Christian is convinced that duty to God demands the performance of a certain act, the remaining evil in his heart, the evil one himself, or both, make suggestions like the following: 'If you do this, how will the world regard you? Will you not hurt your own feelings, or wound the sensibility of your friends? You love peace, I know you do; therefore act as you have acted, for reformation is the mother of agitation.' My dear hearers, the faith which overcometh the world brightens the spiritual vision, and enables the regenerated soul to detect Satan's sophistry, though it be concealed in the plea for impure peace. That faith enables the child of God, in spite of these suggestions, to perform his duty, whatever it may be, and notwithstanding all the trials attendant upon its performance, with a determination, fearlessness, and perseverance approximating the godlike. My hearer, have you this faith? Can you, realizing that the Searcher of hearts is present, think of any duty that you have left unperformed?"

A young disciple of Christ was startled by this solemn inquiry, and led doubtless by the Holy Spirit, to examine himself seriously. Reader, do you likewise.

In the first covenant meeting held after the delivery of the sermon alluded to, the young disciple related the following narrative:

"The question, 'Can you now, realizing that the Searcher of hearts is present, think of any duty that you have left unperformed?' struck me with peculiar force; and, as soon as I comprehended its meaning, my awakened conscience said, 'You have been a professed Christian, and the only one in your family, for almost two years, and yet you have never asked a blessing upon the food provided by God, at your father's table!'

"I have endeavored to drive the thought from my mind; but while I walked home alone, conscience upbraided me for neglect, and urged me to resolve to amend. I reached home and went down stairs intending to speak to my father and mother in reference to my conviction of duty, but found that the family had retired. I then was tempted to let the matter drop till next morning; but as I ascended the stairs leading to my bedroom, conscience again asserted her claims with renewed energy; and I resolved to go and speak with my parents at once.

"My mother said she was glad, and father told me he was happy to learn that I felt as I did. Both expressed their willingness to have me ask a blessing at every meal.

"Father rose and breakfasted very early on the following morning, and I slept late, consequently had no opportunity to carry out my resolution. Satan now tempted me strongly to abandon my purpose: 'for,' said he, 'your father thinks you have repented, or are ashamed, and will not expect you to ask a blessing.'"

The dinner hour arrived, and we all assembled around the table. My father took a piece of bread and began to butter it, helped himself to some meat, and then paused, as if he remembered something. My heart was palpitating loudly. He laid down his knife and fork, and said—"My son, ask a blessing!"

"With a heart full of thankfulness I for the first time at my father's table, implored the Bountiful Giver of all good to bless what he in his mercy had provided. The food tasted sweeter, and I experienced the joys that always attend the performance of duty."

Young Christian, do you witness for Jesus in the family? Are you afraid or ashamed to thank your Maker, in a public manner, for the food he has furnished? If you are, pray for the faith that overcometh the world.